Method for setting predefinable parameters

Abstract

A method for setting predefinable parameters is described, in which for an electronic component, for example a voltage regulator having at least one integrated circuit, the latter has an external connection, via which it is connectable to a programming device. For the latter, a so-called zero programming is provided in the manufacture of the integrated circuit, and predefinable parameters or settings are programmed in following the completion of the manufacturing process, in particular following the assembly of the component or the voltage regulator with the associated generator.

1 - 8 . (canceled) 
   
   
       9 . A method for setting predefinable parameters in an electronic component which comprises at least one integrated circuit which is connectable to an external programming device via an interface, the method comprising:
 during manufacturing, the integrated circuit receiving a zero programming; and   connecting the integrated circuit to the external programming device only after the manufacturing is completed.   
   
   
       10 . The method as recited in  claim 9 , further comprising:
 transferring predefinable parameters or settings from the programming device to a memory device of the integrated circuit, the predefinable parameters or settings being ultimate parameters of the integrated circuit.   
   
   
       11 . The method as recited in  claim 9 , further comprising:
 setting the integrated circuit into a programming mode for programming or write-in.   
   
   
       12 . The method as recited in  claim 10 , further comprising:
 after completion of the transfer of the predefinable parameters or settings, interrupting the connection to the programming unit and locking a programming path.   
   
   
       13 . The method as recited in  claim 9 , wherein the manufacturing includes manufacturing a voltage regulator for a generator, and further comprising:
 programming the voltage regulator on-site prior to assembly of the voltage regulator and the generator, the programming occurring after selection of the generator and establishment of system characteristics of an overall generator-voltage regulator-vehicle electrical system.   
   
   
       14 . The method as recited in  claim 9 , wherein the manufacturing includes manufacturing a voltage regulator for a generator, and further comprising:
 programming the voltage regulator after assembly of the generator and the voltage regulator.   
   
   
       15 . The method as recited in  claim 10 , wherein the predefinable parameters or settings include:
 at least one of setpoint value for a regulator voltage/temperature curve;   load- response-start as a function of at least one of an engine speed threshold and a standby time, the term load-response-start being a control strategy which is selected when load is applied during start;   load-response-drive operation as a function of at least one of a ramp steepness and an engine speed threshold, the load-response-drive operation being as a control strategy which is carried out when load is applied during normal driving operation and a transition from load-response-start to load-response-drive operation ultimately takes place as a function of selected function parameters; and   error values or default values.   
   
   
       16 . A device for setting predefinable parameters in an electronic component which includes at least one integrated circuit having a zero programming, comprising:
 an external programming device configured to connect to the integrated circuit only after a manufacturing process is complete, the external programming device configured to transfer predefinable parameters or settings to a memory device of the integrated circuit.